Kumaraswamy to stay in HIV positive couple's house tonight

Mudhol, Karnataka, Jan 23 (UNI) In a unique gesture that will go a long way in lessening the social stigma attached to people suffering from HIV/AIDS, Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy will stay tonight with a young couple afflicted with the dreaded disease at the remote Ingalgi village in Bagalkot district.

The Chief Minister, who often stay in poor people's homes in villages, had readily accepted an invitation to spend the night with the couple, sent by a Village Health Committee set up by the Karnataka Health Promotion Trust, doing notable work in educating the people on the dangers of the killer disease in North Karnataka.

The whole village in Mudhol taluk, known for its rare breed hunter dogs and richly endowed with fertile irrigated land fed by Ghataprabha river, wore a festive look ahead of the VVIP visit.

Rudrappa gave a feeble smile when asked how he felt knowing that the Chief Minister was staying in his house. He thanked Mr Kumaraswamy, but disappointment on his face evidently showed that this would not end his mounting problems.

The young couple - Rudraiah Matapathi (26) and Shobha (20) came to know of their HIV status when Shobha went to the hospital to check up why she could not conceive. During the blood test, the doctor found that she was HIV positive. Without disclosing her status, the doctors made her bring her husband, who was also found to be HIV positive.

Rudraiah, a truck driver-turned-flour mill owner, is now restricted to his home and is no more in a position to earn.

His parents, who held a small piece of land, were now working in other's fields to look after the couple.

The State's average of adult population with HIV/AIDS is 0.9 per cent, Belgaum has the highest prevalence rate of 3.8 per cent. Bagalkot district's 2.9 per cent of population were stricken by the disease, according to a sample survey.

UNI